Tech Entrepreneur Eyitayo Ogunmola Empowers Lagos Youth through EyiEko Educational Initiative
••• Launches Board To Swift Response For Students’ Scholarships, Distributes Free Jamb Forms To Students
By People’s Voice Nigeria | News
Eyitayo Ogunmola, a trailblazer in the technology industry, has continued to make significant strides in shaping the future of young Lagosians, providing them with educational opportunities and essential life skills.
In an event held at Ifako Ijaye over the weekend, Saturday, March 9, 2024, the EyiEko Educational Initiative hosted a Youth Career Conference with a scholarship presentation, which brought together students, community leaders, and esteemed guests.
Eyitayo Ogunmola, founder of Utiva, Techlocate, and Entrova, through The EyiEko Educational Initiative, said the conference is aimed at inspiring and empowering young individuals, providing them with educational opportunities and career guidance.
From Left:
Mrs. Oyafunke; HOD. Agric And Youth Ifako-Ijaiye LGA, Mr. Opeyemi Alabi; SSA to Lagos State Governor on Youth and Mobilisation, Mr. Ayantoye Wale;
Accountant, Miss Mercy Adekola; Founder Goldie Organic, Otunba. Eyitayo Ogunmola(Eyieko); Convener, Mr. Segun Akinleye; Journalist, Mr. Taiwo Bakare; Publisher Community Eye, Miss. Oluwatosin Adeniyi; Citizen Journalist
In an exclusive interview with the press, The Mayegun of Orile Agege, reflected on his personal journey and the inspiration behind his mission to uplift the next generation. He acknowledged the crucial role Lagos played in shaping his success.
Ogunmola explained that he is personally funding the initiatives, drawing from the success of his three companies. He expressed gratitude for the free education he received and is committed to do more and contribute to the community that fostered his growth.
This collaborative effort reflects a growing awareness and commitment within the community to invest in the education and skill development of the next generation.
“If you are a young person and you’re successful, then you must keep up. This is one of our given back initiatives. I got free education from the current President when he was a Governor. It’s my responsibility to also do it for others and give it to the next generation” he said.
During the event, Ogunmola announced a scholarship programme for students, offering free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms to 120 aspiring individuals.
The initiative aims to motivate and inspire young minds to pursue education leading to success. Additionally, the scholarship programme covers tuition fees and other essential needs for those unable to afford them.
To ensure the outreach to less privileged individuals, Ogunmola highlighted the importance of community engagement and networking to ensure that the EyiEko Educational Initiative has deployed a multi-layered approach.
Street posters with information about educational programme and contact details are strategically placed to attract individuals passing by. Moreover, the foundation collaborates with community leaders and organizations, including religious groups like the Muslim society, to establish a network that identifies and supports deserving candidates in various local communities.
Recognizing the diverse talents and interests of the youths, Ogunmola’s commitment to community development goes beyond traditional education but also skill development in areas such as agriculture and technology.
His farm, one of the largest in the Southwest, offers opportunities for individuals interested in agriculture to learn and work for free. Additionally, plans for a technology-focused skill acquisition centre were mentioned, aligning with the evolving needs of the job market.
In light of the prevailing issue of hunger, especially in the face of rising food prices, Ogunmola announced plans to contribute to alleviating hunger. His farm will play a crucial role in providing food to the community, starting with the distribution of supplies on Monday, March 11, 2024.
In his interview, Ogunmola addressed the issue of cyber crimes, urging young people to pursue success through legal and ethical means. He emphasized the importance of hard work, stating that shortcuts are not sustainable. This perspective aligns with the broader goal of fostering a responsible and ethical mindset among the youth, contributing to the overall well-being of the community.
“My advice to young people is to work very hard. There’s no shortcuts. I see a lot of people who are engaging in cyber crimes. It’s not sustainable. Work very hard to become successful the legal way,” He said.
In conclusion, the EyiEko Educational Initiative’s Youth Career Conference and Scholarship Presentation not only celebrated the achievements of Eyitayo Ogunmola but also showcased the foundation’s commitment to community development, education, and empowerment. The event serves as a testament to the positive impact that dedicated individuals and organizations can have on shaping the future of the younger generation.
Some of the beneficiaries of the free Jamb forms who spoke to our correspondent said:
Oluwasegun Desmond Obaro said, “I am very grateful for the free Jamb form Eyi-eko made available for us. God will continue to bless and replenish him.”
He said he got to know of it through a banner with the description that Eyieko is giving 100 free Jamb forms within the community. As he saw it, he said he gave it a trial, and after that, he was selected. “I thank God I was selected. We wrote an article on the school and course you would want to study. That was the criteria they used to determine the people that were selected,” he said.
He encouraged his follow youths to always be on the lookout for opportunities like this because they help and inspire.
Another beneficiary, Liasu Qowiyat Moturiayo, said she feels happy and grateful to be a part of the students receiving free form and appreciates the opportunity Eyieko gave them. “I got to know it through a friend, and I decided to try my luck. Opportunity comes, but only once. Whenever you lose one, you may not have another opportunity again. Like me. I am not leaving, but I told my parents that I would get it. So whenever they call for us, I make sure that I come. It was difficult at a time, but thank God I got one,” she said.
His Royal Monach Kabiesi Oba Mathew Gbolahan, Oba-Elect of Oniju of Iju Kingdom, prayed that God blesses the source Eyitayo is using to support people. He said during his time there was nothing like this and urged everyone in the community to make judicious use of it.
He also disclosed that he will be commissioning a powerful stadium for the whole Ifako Ijaye local government soon. According to him, you have to make your community attractive to be competitive so that the community can attract investors.
Also, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Youth Mobilization, Hon. Alabi Opeyemi Oladimeji, urged youth at the launch to be very careful in what they do to get to where they are going, encouraging them to think outside the box. “Education is a means to an end. It is to help others and be creative. Make sure you create something after being selected and finish your programmes that will help not just you but your family, others around you, and the community. We must come together to build the community,” he said.
There was also a penal session for youths at the event to know what they are in and encourage them on their career paths at the launch.
